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PIX: Bollywood's WEIRDEST Villains!

Crazy as it sounds, a hero’s identity relies on the atrocities of his enemy. If the latter doesn’t do mischief or cause mayhem, there’s no need for a champion to rise and save the day.

Bollywood loves to explore this space since time immemorial producing grand heroes and ferocious villains. The mightier the bad guy, the greater is the good fella’s triumph.

If some like Amjad Khan’s Gabbar Singh abstain from weird costumes to convey on-screen intimidation, legendary tyrants of celluloid -- Pran and Amrish Puri -- are noted for their over-the-top get-ups.

Not too long ago, Arjun Rampal’s sleek, threatening turn sporting a snug bodysuit and shaven head in and as Ra.One scored several brownie points.

Up next, in Rakesh Roshan’s Diwali offering Krrish 3, Hrithik Roshan reprises his role of the masked superhero battling an army of bizarre-looking foes -- Kaal, Kaya, Cheetahwoman, Antman, Striker and Rhinoman front lined by actors like Vivek Oberoi and Kangna Ranaut.

While the third film in the franchise, following Koi... Mil Gaya and Krrish, and its stock of oddball miscreants hit the screens on November 1, we look at some of Bollywood’s notable antagonists in their most outlandish avatars.

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Amrish Puri, Mr India, Tehelka, Nagina

One slide show isn’t enough to capture Amrish Puri’s extensive collection of severe expressions in garish costumes and loud wigs.

But the imagery of him as the terror-spreading Mogambo, Dong and Bhairo Nath hold a special place in the realm of macabre.

Amrish Puri, Haatim Tai

And still some.

Oh, but it’s too tempting to not include the actor with the booming baritone looking the least bit apologetic as the evil wizard of Haatim Tai in this hideous ensemble.

The sequinned skull, the golden staff with skull wearing a crown and a blingy necklace, the wiry hair, where do we begin?

Pran, Yeh Gulistan Hamara

In this 1972 jingoistic Indo-China tale starring Dev Anand and Sharmila Tagore, Pran is the face of Chinese autocracy.

Considering he’s named Deng Do Rani, one naturally expects some drama and drivel.

And Pran delivers on both counts with braided hair and bounty of beads to look Bollywood’s idea of exotic.

Suneil Shetty, Rudraksh

One of the nicest guys off screen is the face of nasty fury as a greedy demon reincarnate in mythological fantasy, Rudraksh.

Now if only we could get past Anna's shoddy perm and Ramsay blue contacts.

Kader Khan, Pataal Bhairavi

Known for his amusing antics and witty repartees in screwball comedies, Kader Khan is memorably mean in Jeetendra-starrer Pataal Bhairavi.

As the scheming sorcerer whose powers are concealed in his beard, KK lets the sinister expression in his eyes and smile to inject ferocity in those heavily made-up eyes, oodles of facial hair and layers of embroidered velvet.

Kay Kay Menon, Drona

Powerhouse star Kay Kay Menon lets his hair down at the risk of embarrassing himself as the caricaturish nemesis of Abhishek Bachchan in Drona.

What’s with the soap star sherwani aesthetics meets Tintin hair mash-up anyway?

Rekha, Madame X

Rekha’s career-worst performance, freakish wardrobe and wacky head gears as the ruthless Madame X in an admittedly enjoyable bad film of the same name is stuff pop-culture legends are made of.

Too bad there were no Golden Kela or Ghanta trophies to distribute back then for Madam Re/X would enjoy a clear sweep.

Sadashiv Amrapurkar, Sadak

Sadashiv Amrapurkar’s daunting delivery as Maharani, the merciless eunuch running a brother in Sadak still sends a shiver down the spine.

Though one cannot really make sense of his wardrobe of a martial arts costume meets draw-string tunic and a hairstyle that’s better suited for a 1980s rock band.

Mohan Agashe, Trimurti

Subhash Ghai’s Trimurti made a lot of noise for its huge budget and big stars. Looks like most of it was spent on constructing Mohan Agashe’s spooky countenance as the demonic Khokha Singh.

Bet even Sonam Kapoor would agree, that’s too many statement necklaces at one time.

Danny Denzongpa, Ghatak

Though he’s one of the most gentle-mannered celebrities of Bollywood, Danny Denzongpa doesn’t always need any paraphernalia to exude authority.

The Boss star, however, goes for furry flamboyance to make a nasty impression as the feared gang lord Katya in Rajkumar Santoshi’s action drama.

Shabana Azmi, Makdee

Shabana Azmi is a picture of eloquence, etiquette and sophistication. She’s also a dynamite actress who loves to take on challenging roles.

Even if it translates to layers of powerful prosthetics and accessories to play a pretend witch in Vishal Bhardwaj’s acclaimed children’s film, Makdee.

The result is for all to see. And run.

Sanjay Dutt, Agneepath

What happens when Sanjay Dutt consumes a blend of Marlon Brando from Apocalypse Now with WWF wrestler Bam Bam Bigelow? Kancha Cheena, second edition in Agneepath.

Deadly Dutt was never this befitting.

Sanjeev Kumar, Jaani Dushman

Long before mainstream actors actively pursued their dark side on silver screen, Sanjeev Kumar dared to transform into a cursed grisly beast for Rajkumar Kohli’s super hit multi starrer.

Alrite, you can laugh now.

Gulshan Grover, Vishwatma

Bollywood’s eternal 'bad man’ has donned many a get-ups in his enduring career as the harbinger of hatred.

Gulshan Grover’s look as the flute-playing Tapasvi Gunjal in Rajiv Rai’s Vishwatma is as showy as his name.